
Winter Wonderland Destinations in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
1. BREC's Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Explore a unique swamp ecosystem with boardwalk trails and wildlife exhibits. Offers winter bird-watching opportunities.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot various waterfowl such as egrets, herons, and ducks.
- Boardwalk Trails: Walk through a swamp on safe and easy-to-navigate boardwalk paths.
- Educational Programs: Learn about the local ecosystem with educational programs and exhibits.
2. Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Indoor museum featuring various art and science exhibits, including interactive displays. Perfect for a winter day.
- Art Exhibits: View collections from local and international artists.
- Science Displays: Learn about Louisiana's natural history and scientific phenomena.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage in hands-on activities to better understand the exhibits.
3. LSU Rural Life Museum
Outdoor museum showcasing Louisiana's rural history and agricultural life. Includes historic buildings and gardens.
- Historic Buildings: Explore various architectural styles from the 18th to 20th centuries.
- Gardens: Walk through lush gardens featuring native plants and flowers.
- Animal Exhibits: See various farm animals in the museum's animal exhibit area.
4. Downtown Baton Rouge Skyway Bridge
Suspension bridge offering scenic views of the city and river. A great spot for winter photos.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River.
- Pedestrian Access: Walk or bike across the bridge for an active experience.
- Evening Lights: Experience a romantic stroll under the lights of downtown Baton Rouge at night.
5. Old Louisiana State Capitol
Historic building featuring architectural styles from the Greek Revival to Beaux-Arts. Contains museum exhibits.
- Architecture Styles: Admire various architectural styles throughout the building.
- Museum Exhibits: Learn about Louisiana's political history and famous politicians.
- Guided Tours: Take a guided tour to get an in-depth understanding of the building's history.
6. Louisiana's Old State Capitol Garden
Beautiful garden surrounding the Old Louisiana State Capitol, featuring various plants and fountains.
- Plant Species: Discover a variety of native and exotic plant species.
- Fountains: Relax near the soothing sound of multiple fountains in the garden.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the historical significance of the garden's landscaping.
7. BREC's Forest Community Park
Large park with walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and fishing areas. Perfect for a winter picnic.
- Walking Trails: Take a leisurely walk or jog on the park's paved trails.
- Sports Facilities: Play various sports, including soccer, football, and basketball.
- Picnic Areas: Enjoy a picnic in the park's spacious and well-maintained areas.
8. Magnolia Mound Plantation
Historic plantation showcasing the lifestyle of a wealthy sugar planter in the 19th century.
- Antebellum Architecture: See an impressive example of antebellum architecture and its outbuildings.
- Garden Tours: Take guided tours of the plantation's beautiful gardens.
- Creole Cottage: Visit a Creole cottage, which is a rare example of this architectural style.
9. BREC's Galvez Driving Range
Outdoor driving range for practicing golf skills during the winter months.
- Practice Area: Improve your golf swing with a variety of target greens.
- Club Rentals: Rent clubs if you don't have your own equipment.
- Lessons and Clinics: Take lessons or attend clinics to learn from professional golf instructors.
10. Lake Laurent
City park with a lake for fishing, walking trails, and picnic areas. A great place to relax in nature during winter.
- Fishing Pier: Cast a line from the pier for a chance to catch fish.
- Walking Trails: Take a leisurely stroll along the park's paved walking paths.
- Picnic Areas: Enjoy a picnic in one of the park's scenic areas.
11. BREC's Highland Road Park Observatory
Public observatory offering night sky viewing sessions and educational programs.
- Telescope Viewing: Look through powerful telescopes to view stars, planets, and galaxies.
- Educational Programs: Attend educational programs about astronomy and space exploration.
- Dark Sky Observations: Take advantage of Baton Rouge's dark skies for optimal stargazing opportunities.
12. BREC's Seneca Park
Large park with sports fields, playgrounds, and a dog park. A great place for families and pets.
- Sports Facilities: Play various sports, including soccer, football, and basketball.
- Playgrounds: Enjoy the playground areas for children of all ages.
- Dog Park: Let your dog run and socialize with other dogs in the fenced-in area.
13. BREC's Tiger Bend Nature Area
Nature reserve featuring hiking trails, wetlands, and wildlife observation areas.
- Hiking Trails: Take a guided or self-guided hike through the various trail options.
- Wetlands Observation: Observe local wildlife in their natural wetland habitat.
- Nature Education: Learn about the local ecosystem and its wildlife with educational programs.
14. BREC's Burbank Park
Park with sports fields, playgrounds, and a fishing pier. Perfect for outdoor activities during winter.
- Sports Facilities: Play various sports, including soccer, football, and basketball.
- Playgrounds: Enjoy the playground areas for children of all ages.
- Fishing Pier: Cast a line from the pier for a chance to catch fish.
15. BREC's Beaver Creek Water Park
Water park with slides and pools during the summer season. Transforms into a winter ice-skating rink.
- Ice Skating: Enjoy ice skating on the winter ice rink.
- Skate Rentals: Rent ice skates if you don't have your own equipment.
- Hot Cocoa and Snacks: Warm up with hot cocoa and snacks after ice skating.